Governor Polis Celebrates Agriculture Day, Signs New Laws Strengthening Agricultural Support

Ag Day is a Statewide Celebration for Producers and Local Food Systems

DENVER - Today, Governor Polis and the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) celebrated Colorado Agriculture Day, recognizing the enduring commitment and resilience of the state's agricultural industry. Governor Polis also signed two bills into law increasing support for farmers and ranchers.

"Colorado's hardworking farmers and ranchers are an important part of our 150-year legacy as a state and an important part of our future. Colorado's farmers and ranchers work hard to put food on our tables, are stewards of our waters and lands, and represent who we are as a state. As we celebrate our sesquicentennial birthday, we honor the history of agriculture in our state, and recognize our farmers and ranchers who help provide Coloradans with basic necessities for a healthy, strong, and thriving life," said Governor Polis.

Colorado Agriculture Day is an opportunity for all Coloradans to acknowledge the indispensable role agriculture plays in the daily life and future prosperity of the state's economy. Ancestral Puebloans cultivated corn, squash and beans on the lands now called Colorado for hundreds of years before statehood and agriculture continues to be a vital part of the state's economy while supporting the open spaces Coloradans value.

"As we celebrate Ag Week and Ag Day, let's recognize the incredible work of our farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers," said Acting Commissioner of Agriculture Robert Sakata. "Supporting our local producers is a direct investment in a robust and resilient food system for all. We encourage every Coloradan to participate in this celebration by purchasing Colorado Proud products, visiting a local farm or ranch, or sharing a locally sourced meal with your friends and neighbors."

The state's agricultural system rests on the traditions, ingenuity, and deep knowledge of those who came before. This year, which has been proclaimed as the International Year of the Woman Farmer by the United Nations, we also want to elevate the 28,000 Colorado women farmers and ranchers who account for 41.8 percent of the state's agricultural producers.

To celebrate Ag Day, Governor Polis signed two ag-related bills that will help conserve at-risk farmland and make it more affordable for new and beginning farmers and ranchers (SB26-064) and allow for use of money from the Livestock Indemnity Funds to be used to prepare for and respond to emerging disease threats to livestock health (HB26-1067).

"Colorado's agriculture producers work hard year round to put food on our tables and today we are taking actions to expand support for these hard working Coloradans. By offering agricultural loans to protect our most valuable lands and make them more affordable for new and beginning producers we are investing in our agricultural economy which creates good jobs and produces world-renowned food. We are also ensuring that our farmers and ranchers have the resources to better protect the health of their livestock from disease threats such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and New World Screw Worm," said Governor Polis about SB26-064 and HB26-1067.

"Colorado's farmers and ranchers are good stewards of the land; these bipartisan laws save them money, protect our water and strengthen our ag economy," said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of SB26-064 and HB26-1067. "Every farmer and rancher wants to keep their livestock healthy, and this law will extend the permissible uses of a livestock health management fund to include preventative education and collaboration. Another law I sponsored will uplift the next generation of Colorado's farmers and ranchers and safeguard water and natural resources."

"Farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our state, and in a time of increasing uncertainty, they need our support now more than ever," said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, sponsor of SB26-064 and HB26-1067. "I am proud to see these bills signed into law that will help farmers and ranchers respond faster to disease outbreaks and that will uplift the next generation of farmers and ranchers through easier access to loan financing."

"Colorado is losing farmland faster than any state in the country. With roughly 1.6 million acres lost in just five years, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, we must take steps to support our farmers and ranchers and keep agricultural land in production. SB26-064 Modify Colorado Agricultural Future Loan Program is one step toward protecting the future of agriculture in Colorado," said Senator Cleave Simpson, a sponsor of SB26-064.

"As we continue confronting the ongoing threats of avian influenza, foot-and-mouth disease, and the imminent risk posed by the New World screwworm, it is critical that we take a proactive and coordinated approach to disease prevention. These outbreaks can have devastating consequences for livestock health, agricultural stability, and the livelihoods of producers." said Representative Ty Winter, a sponsor of HB26-1067.

"SB26-064 expands the entities which can help facilitate loan for new farmers. Colorado has lost farmland at an unprecedented rate and the state should do all we can to help the next generation of farmers be able to get into agriculture," said Representative Matt Soper, a sponsor of SB26-064.

CDA is highlighting agriculture's indelible impact on Colorado all year in conjunction with the America 250 - Colorado 150 celebrations to acknowledge the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Centennial state's induction into the Union. With the theme of "Setting Colorado's Table," CDA has unveiled a large-scale, traveling mural, which can be seen at the Colorado Capitol throughout Ag Week, that celebrates the past, present and future of agriculture in our state.

Additionally, in partnership with History Colorado, CDA will publish a coffee table book with stories of Colorado's agricultural history this summer. Celebrations will continue at the Colorado State Fair, where CDA will partner with Longer Tables to set one of the 150 Colorado Tables. We'll end the year by supporting communities across the state to set their own Harvest Table dinners to bring friends and neighbors together over a shared meal.

For more information on CDA's planned celebrations, please join our Setting Colorado's Table mailing list.

Whether they farm, ranch, or make specialized products from Colorado's agricultural bounty, our state's ag producers are committed land stewards, protecting soil, water, and air while keeping ag production thriving. They use practices that aim to reduce soil erosion, increase irrigation efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to ensure access to affordable and sustainable food.

To support these efforts, CDA encourages Coloradans to participate in activities that help connect them to the agricultural communities that grow our food. Here are a few ways anyone can participate:

• Shop Colorado Proud: Choosing Colorado Proud products is a direct way to support the families, communities, and local economies that work tirelessly to provide safe and nutritious food grown, raised, and processed right here in Colorado.
• Engage with Farmers: Use the Farm Fresh Directory to find a farmers market, local producer, or farm to learn how our neighbors produce and sell food.
• Advocate for Agriculture: Contact your local elected officials to discuss the importance of supporting farm initiatives. You can even bring local agricultural products to their office.
• Give Us a Peek on Social Media: Producers can share behind-the-scenes of farm life, feature a local "Ag Hero" of the day, or use hashtags such as #AgDay to bring attention to the work and dedication of local ag businesses.
• Educate the Community: Whether you're a producer or a consumer, you can organize an agriculture exhibit at a local library or grocery store, displaying goods produced in your area. Alternatively, contact your local elementary school classroom to see if they read books about agriculture or bring the farm to the students.
• Host an Event: Organize a service-focused event like a canned food drive or host a farm-to-table meal for your neighbors, local business leaders or elected officials, using locally produced foods.

Ag Week is a great time to connect with our neighbors who grow, raise, and produce our food. CDA's focus is to ensure Coloradans have access to a robust and resilient local food system. Let's celebrate our state's agricultural workers and producers, including those who plant, harvest, clean, process, pack, and transport our food, who are key to creating this system.